Purpose and Goal

Statement of Purpose and Goals


My interests in psychology are primarily serving the Hispanic Community due to The Hispanic/Latino American populations rapid growth. Addressing the substance abuse and mental health needs for the Hispanic Community is essential due to its limited availability. My approach to these issues are psychological and social approaches. I believe there is a need for mental health professionals in the Hispanic community, for example, the percentage of Spanish-speaking mental health professionals is not known, however only about 1% of licensed psychologists who are also members of the American Psychological Association identify themselves as Hispanic (1990).

My current research interests is to evaluluate service delivery issues. This includes accessibility of services and initiatives that explore strategies to develop and facilitate the availability of community-based mental health services that are culturally, linguistically, and financially accessible.

To move forward toward improved services for Hispanics/Latinos in rural settings, it is important that mental health service professionals and mental health system managers at all levels to commit to effectuating change and assume roles of leadership within their areas of authority and influence. Collaborative efforts are needed from policy makers, government officials, mental health administrators, providers, researchers, consumers, and their families to address the specific policy, organizational, and provider barriers encountered by Hispanics.

My professional goals are to participate in developing Strategies for bringing new health models, education and access to individuals within their own community settings. The strategies employed must be tailored to the targeted individual and his/her environment, including culture and social norms. My goal also includes to always be aware and respect the uniqueness of every person served in the community.

BARRIERS TO MENTAL HEALTH

I received several responses to the previous post. One particular comment mentioned the following, and I quote:

“A barrier to me iswhen you go for help and then people tell you, that are in the mentalhealth field, that nothing is wrong with him. Especially when you haveseveral Drs. testing (for years back) to back up there is a problem. Thenyou go home to more frustratation and stressful pain due to no support.
And lets don't forget several high bills with no results!”

Communication with the mental health professional is very important. Documenting episodes, changes in personality, moods, frequency of changes can be very valuable information. A calendar can be used to document the dates and a brief description of the episode. On occasions what may happen is that when we are with the doctors we may forget due to the frustration and pressure we feel under, we may not be able to describe fully or get the point across to the person who is assisting.

Looking for support groups and guidance is important for a family who has loved one facing mental health illness. The family gives of themselves however needs to receive support also, needs to know they are not alone and that they can lean on a shoulder and cry if needed. There are no easy answers, every family has a unique need, but having someone listen, show compassion and empathy is a start to dealing with adjustments and learning to live with someone suffering with a mental health illness.

Any suggestions….

Need for Support Groups in ALABAMA

If you live in Alabama and do not speak English you may have difficulty in finding help for a mental health issue. Many our Hispanic families have left loved ones in other states or another country, this may increase the risk of depression due to the close ties families have culturally. Note the following from a study found on Healthyplace.com on Hispanic depression:
"fewer than 1 in 11 contact mental health specialists, while fewer than 1 in 5 contact general health care providers. Among Hispanic immigrants with mental disorders, fewer than 1 in 20 use services from mental health specialists, while fewer than 1 in 10 use services from general health care providers"

Imagine, these statistics are probably done where there are mental health services available in their primary language. We have a lot of work to do in Alabama. We need to encourage our young ones to pursue careers in mental health or other health care fields. We need to start working and promoting this within our own hispanic community some of these solutions may be our family and friends. Even though the State or Feds need to take action, WE can also take action, we need to encourage our bilingual teens and young adults to continue in school, and not to drop out to find jobs. Everyone needs get involved at whatever level they can. Sometimes volunteering is a way to start and get experience to get a job as an interpreter or translator in the future. All the options need to be considered and the different health care fields be looked at carefully. Perhaps some cities are doing well with this issue, however many rural areas are suffering. This is my thought.....To find the solution, we need to look in the mirror first before looking anywhere else and ask ourselves, what can I do to help? If you know of any experiences or barriers Hispanic families are facing please email me.. no names please, however the do give me the name of the county it is occuring in...THANK YOU